First Munro - Mount Keen

[AndyGerrard]

Newly joined this website and have just climbed my first Munro in preparation for Kilimanjaro in November! Decided to start with Mount Keen as it is closest to home and looked like an easy start for my Dad and I.

We left the car park in Invermark at 11.45am after a lazy morning and a long, windy drive down to the Glen. Aware of the lateness of our arrival and the 5-7 hour advised walk time, we set off at a fast pace up the Glen towards Queens Well.

Reaching Queens Well at 12.30 for a spot of lunch and the views!

Queens Well

We rushed up past Invermark cottage and up the zig-zags, eventually slowing the pace realizing we were making great time and would be back long before dark.

On the Ascent

On the Ascent

Resting on the ascent

After nearly being blown off the top we reached the summit cairn at 2pm, enjoying the blustery views for half an hour before beginning our descent.
At the Summit:

At the Summit

At the Summit

The descent, apart from spotting an Adder on the way down, was pretty uneventful. The walk back from the cottage to the car felt like it would never end but we arrived at 20 past 4. Think we walked too quickly thinking we didn't have enough time, at least we know for next time!

All in all a great first day and Munro can't wait to get out to Dreish and Mayar on Monday!

[pollyh33]

Andy,

A smashing report on your first munro. Hope you always get such fantastic weather

Well done

[lomondwalkers]

Great day for your first Munro Andy Not looking so great for tomorrow though

[ChrisW]

Good effort Andy - some nice pics there, I like this hill even though it is a bit of a walk in and out on that route, Kili in 2 months time......yikes. Have a look at This Diary of an Ascent of Kili

[AndyGerrard]

Thanks for your replies everyone! Fingers crossed for the weather and Kili! Will add the reports soon!

[AndyGerrard]

Good effort Andy - some nice pics there, I like this hill even though it is a bit of a walk in and out on that route, Kili in 2 months time......yikes. Have a look at This Diary of an Ascent of Kili

Just had a read of the Walk report, thanks for the link! Sounds hilariously awful. Hopefully won't get AMS!

[gary]

Well done,you picked a fabulous day for it. Planning on doing Mount Keen myself soon,four and a half hours looks impressive to.
Good luck for Kilimanjaro aswell

[rocket-ron]

well done andy

[rambler]

Well done on your first munro - hope Mayar and Dreish are as succcessful

[Johnny Corbett]

A fine first report on a very fine hill, this is one of my favourites as i did it in snow with clear blue skies. Good luck with Kilimanjaro, i'm sure it will be a great adventure for you